DAVID ROBERTS, R.A. | The Citadel of Tangier, Morocco

Sale: Sotheby’s, London, 5 April 1973, lot 136
Sale: Sotheby's, London, 14 April 1976, lot 58;
Leggatt's, London (purchased at the above sale)
Purchased from the above by the present owner

Engraved:

by J. Stephenson, 1838

The more delicate pigments have faded. There is some minor surface dirt and in a raking light the paper appears slightly cockled. The work is not laid down, but attached to the backboard at the top edge.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

Roberts painted this watercolour in order that it be engraved by J. Stephenson and included in Thomas Roscoe’s The Tourist in Spain and Morocco, illustrated from drawings by David Roberts (published by Robert Jennings, London, 1838). The watercolour is based on a drawing that Roberts executed while in Tangier on the 9 March 1833, which is now in the British Museum, London (1910.2.18.52).

We are very grateful to Krystyna Matyjaszkiewicz for her help when cataloguing this lot.